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Study ‘unlocks potential’ of DNA for wildlife crime
Poisoning, trapping and shooting are all methods used to illegally target birds of prey.
Researchers trace DNA from items left for at least 10 days outside 

DNA techniques used to solve crime such as burglary and murder could one day be used to identify people involved in wildlife offences, according to new research.

The study, published in the journal Forensic Science International: Genetics, found that human DNA can be traced from wildlife traps that have been outside for at least 10 days. It also found that human DNA can be traced from rabbit baits and bird carcasses at crime scenes after at least 24 hours.

The research was led by the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Scotland in collaboration with the Scottish Police Authority's (SPA) Forensic Services, the Scottish Government and the University of Strathclyde.

“Poisoning, trapping and shooting are all methods used to illegally target birds of prey. However, investigations can often be hampered by a lack of evidence,” said environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham. “This new research will unlock the potential of using DNA profiles to track criminals and could play a crucial role in helping secure convictions for wildlife crime.”

Steven Ferguson, lead forensic scientist at SPA Forensic Services, added: “This exciting research in support of tackling wildlife crime demonstrates that DNA profiles can be obtained from items exposed to the elements in Scotland's sometimes harsh climate.

“In recent years, over £6 million has been invested in new forensic capability in Scotland including DNA24, robotics and powerful software to successfully obtain DNA profiles in support of the Scottish justice system.

“The research undertaken by PAW has demonstrated that these same techniques, used in crimes ranging from housebreaking to murder, can also be used to identify those involved in persecuting birds of prey.”

Detective chief superintendent David McLaren said: "The illegal use of traps are often used in remote places. This makes the collection of evidence extremely challenging. Police Scotland always welcomes advancement in scientific techniques to solve wildlife crime and has always used all the available tools in our pursuit of those who commit wildlife crime.

"This new technique will advance our ability to collect human DNA from illegally set traps."

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.